India’s AI Future: Minister Jitendra Singh Highlights Responsible Innovation at ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the vital role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India’s future, stressing that while AI is a powerful tool, it must be used responsibly and optimally. Speaking at the 7th Edition of the ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, he highlighted the theme, “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance,” as a reflection of India’s strategy to harness AI’s transformative potential for national growth.

Minister Singh emphasized that AI is not just a technological innovation but the backbone of India’s development across multiple sectors such as governance, healthcare, business, education, and space exploration. He stated that AI holds the key to addressing pressing national challenges like climate change, public service delivery, and national security while driving economic growth.

In his address, Dr. Singh credited the Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for facilitating the initiation of AI-driven programs and the launch of QuantumMission, marking a significant step in India’s commitment to integrating AI into its developmental agenda.

A major announcement made during the meet was the launch of India’s first practical AI Data Bank, aimed at accelerating the nation’s technological growth and innovation. This initiative will provide researchers, startups, and developers with access to high-quality, diverse datasets, enabling the creation of scalable AI solutions. The Minister explained that the AI Data Bank will play a crucial role in enhancing national security by enabling real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and IoT data, which is critical for areas like disaster management and cybersecurity.

India’s National Strategy for AI was presented as a comprehensive roadmap focused on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration. Dr. Singh pointed out the government’s efforts to foster public-private partnerships that leverage AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, and space exploration, ensuring inclusive growth across key sectors.

The Minister also addressed the need for ethical AI governance, reassuring that India is developing robust frameworks to mitigate risks such as algorithmic bias and data privacy concerns. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring that AI systems remain transparent and fair, and emphasized India’s intention to be an active participant in global discussions on AI governance, particularly through platforms like the United Nations and G20, advocating for a rules-based AI framework.

Minister Singh reiterated that AI should empower citizens, fostering equitable access to its benefits without deepening societal divides. He stressed the importance of AI as a tool for inclusive development, ensuring that it serves as an enabler rather than a disruptor of people’s livelihoods.

Looking towards the future, Dr. Singh envisioned India emerging as a global leader in AI by 2047, underlining the need for responsible, inclusive development of AI technologies. He called for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders — government, academia, industry, and startups — to drive AI adoption for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The event, which brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, served as a platform for exchanging insights and charting a path forward for the responsible adoption of AI in India. Dr. Singh’s remarks at the meet set the tone for India’s commitment to leading the world in ethical AI development, ensuring that AI’s power is harnessed for the collective good of the nation and its people.